Vaishnavi Chouhan: Academic Excellence, Mentorship, and the Fight for Equal Healthcare

Vaishnavi Chouhan has always been deeply drawn to the sciences, arriving at college with a clear and unwavering goal: to become a doctor. While her family focused on mathematics and engineering, her passion for biology set her apart. Biology had fascinated her for as long as she could remember, and when she arrived at IU Indianapolis as a freshman, she quickly realized it was the perfect path for her. Now, as a senior majoring in neuroscience at IU Indianapolis and biology at Purdue Indianapolis, her path has evolved in ways she never anticipated. Soon, she will take the next step in her journey by beginning medical school and moving closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

For Vaishnavi, the allure of biology was undeniable. It connected her to the intricacies of human life and its complexities; therefore, choosing biology as her major felt natural. On another note, her passion for neuroscience grew over the years, but it was not until she arrived at college that she realized it could become her professional focus. When she discovered she was just a few classes away from pursuing a second major in neuroscience, she embraced the challenge and decided to make it a reality.

Excelling academically was never an option for Chouhan—it was a necessity. With medical school in mind, she set a high standard for herself, determined to maintain a 4.0 GPA, something that she diligently accomplished. The road was not easy. She enrolled in some of the most challenging classes on campus, all while balancing a 20-hour workweek. There were moments when exhaustion set in, moments where the weight of her ambitions felt overwhelming. Yet, she pushed forward with determination, relying on every resource available to her. The chemistry resource center, biology recitations, and the support of mentors helped her navigate the challenges. Her workplace became another source of encouragement, offering her the flexibility to prioritize her academics when needed.

By her junior year, Vaishnavi was ready to tackle a new challenge: joining the Honors College. There were no scholarships available for upperclassmen, so financial incentives were not a factor in her decision. Instead, she sought the opportunity to push herself further. The chance to engage more deeply in coursework, design her own research projects, and take on honors contracts was a compelling draw. She thrived in this environment, diving into research papers, peer reviews, and creative academic work. One of her most rewarding experiences came in a writing course, where she developed an ePortfolio template and had the opportunity to teach her peers how to create their own. It was moments like these—when she could share her knowledge and help others—that solidified her belief in the power of education.

Mentorship became a cornerstone of Chouhan’s college journey, deeply influencing both her growth and the growth of others. Her commitment to mentorship extended far beyond the classroom as well. As a chemistry PLTL leader, an academic mentor at the Bepko Learning Center, and a neuroscience center mentor, she devoted herself to helping peers succeed—offering guidance, encouragement, and a personal touch that made a difference in their academic journeys. 

The lab focused on gender and sex disparities in PTSD, stress, and alcohol disorders—an area where female subjects had often been overlooked. This research was deeply meaningful to her. She was struck by the lack of studies on conditions that disproportionately affected women, simply because female subjects were considered "too complicated" due to biological cycles. She wanted to be part of the change.

Research is all about trial and error and figuring out the best outlook to approach an experiment to get adequate and accurate results. Some moments stand out above others. For Vaishnavi, it was the moment when they finally found an interaction between sex and the disease they were studying. It was a breakthrough—one that left her speechless. “I was shocked,” she recalled. The realization that their research had uncovered something significant made all the struggles, the long hours, and the failures worth it.

Her dedication did not go unnoticed. She was awarded the RISE Research Scholarship and later received the prestigious Stephen L. Boehm Young Scientist Award for Research in Addiction Neuroscience. When her professor saw her receive the award, the pride and excitement in her eyes said it all. In that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—for her mentors, her professors, and the journey that had led her here. This recognition continued as Chouhan was recently named one of IU Indianapolis's Top 10 of the Top 100 students, a testament to her relentless dedication and hard work. 

Beyond academics and research, Chouhan’s experiences at IU Health Hospital profoundly shaped her perspective. Volunteering there, she saw firsthand the inequalities in healthcare. One encounter particularly stayed with her—a woman in active labor while taking care of her toddler, refusing an ambulance because she could not afford the $3,000 cost. It was a heartbreaking reality. “Not everyone gets the care they deserve just because of their background or financial status,” Chouhan reflected. She knew then that her mission in medicine was not just about performing surgeries; it was about fighting for those who had been left behind by the system.

Her aspirations extend far beyond medical school. While she plans to complete her training and establish her career here in the United States, her ultimate goal is to join Doctors Without Borders and bring medical care to those who need it most—whether in war-torn regions or underserved communities with little access to healthcare. She is determined to use her skills to make a real difference in the world.

Moving to the United States from India was a leap of faith, but it gave her the independence and freedom to chase her dreams. With the support of her uncles and the encouragement of mentors, she stepped out of her comfort zone and embraced every challenge that came her way.

Looking back, if she could give advice to her younger self, it would be simple: “Keep going. Everyone deserves to achieve their goals and so do you. You deserve to achieve everything you wish for and can overcome every obstacle that comes your way.” And with her relentless determination, there is no doubt that she will achieve hers.